Review: Cabana Restaurant and Caipirinha Bar, Brixton

Style Points: 3/5
Price: ££
Overall: 4/5

Although not typically swanky, Cabana Restaurant and Caipirinha Bar will be remembered for its interiors as much as its food. This right, colourful and spacious restaurant has high ceilings, modern designed lights with a beaded curtain which featured a design of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Would I Want Seconds?

When we arrived a friendly waiter welcomed us and guided us to the seated area, I immediately noticed the bright and characteristic decor as it gave me a much needed boost of energy!

I asked the waiter to recommend a cocktail and he suggested the traditional caipirinha (£6.95). The cocktail was well made with what I like to call a sweet lick (sugar) and a bitter kick (lime). There was lots of choice of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit everyone such as cocktails, hard shakes, iced tea pitchers, pimm's, wine and beers as well as smoothies, juices, sodas, teas, coffees and coconut water.

As we couldn't decide on starters we got one each and another to share. My guest ordered the salt and pepper crispy squid (£5.95) and I ordered the spicy malagueta prawns (£5.95), the soft squid was encased in a crispy coating and the prawns tasted fresh under their drizzled flavoursome sauce. 

The cheesy dough balls (bite into it to release the cheese) were warm, baked and came with a garlic butter for dipping (£3.95) - quite filling but perfect for sharing. 

Bring on the meat! If skewers are your thing, you can rib it, surf it (add prawns) or wing it to stack up your skewer which will add £4.59 to your main. I ordered the 8oz Cabana steak, classic Latin American cut marinated in chilli and cumin sauce, served with French fries and Rio beans (£15.95) while my guest went for the spicy malagueta chicken, aspicy sticky chicken flame grilled in their secret marinade (£8.95 on its own or £12.95 served with sweet potato and home slaw).

Could I Afford Seconds?

Prices of mains range from £8.95 - £18.95. A three course meal, cocktail and an extra starter to share cost us £38.75 (£34.80 without the extra starter) each which is quite affordable for a three course meal but you could opt for the cheaper options on the menu if you're on a budget.
There is also a happy hour with 2 for 1 cocktails everyday from 12-7pm as well as 10pm til closing, which certainly helps with the cost!

Overall: 4/5

Cabana Restaurant and Caipirinha Bar has so much to offer you'd have to go on multiple trips to sample and establish your favourites. It's fun and fuss free dining, perfect for groups, dates and catch ups and I even spied a bar downstairs If I'm ever stuck for comfort food in Brixton I know where to head to now!

If you want to take the party home with you, be sure to purchase the spicy kick Malagueta flavoured sauce (£6.95) and a cabana cookbook (£20.00) to recreate Brazilian barbecue flavours in your very own kitchen.

Reviewed by guest writer Syeshia Sweeney

Website: cabana-brasil.com
Address: 201-207 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London SW9 8BE
Closest Tube Station: Brixton Underground